By Adam Hamilton
The freshly minted Telfer-Cullen team’s trans-Tasman raid is coming together superbly.
Already with a win on the board courtesy of the classy B D Joe, Amanda and Steve Telfer and Hayden Cullen have three key runners across two nights at Newcastle and Menangle.
And, crucially, all three have terrific barrier draws.
It starts on Friday night when B D Joe and Alta Wiseguy chase a guaranteed Miracle Mile berth by winning the $100,000 Newcastle Mile.
They both have gate speed and have drawn to use it from barriers one and two respectively.
“B D Joe is the better of the two, he’s just got more weapons in his arsenal,” Steve Telfer said.
“He’s also got a better draw and gets off the gate quickly. Plan A is definitely to try and lead.
“But he’s so adaptable, it’s not absolutely vital. He showed last time he can sit parked and he’s also terrific off a cold sit.
“Amanda said both have come on well since their runs two weeks ago. They had a strong workout on Monday and she could be happier with both of them.”
Tim Williams will stick with B D Joe, while Team Telfer has snared local champ Luke McCarthy to partner Alta Wiseguy.
“The draw could give Alta the chance to get the run he needs at this sort of level, a cold sit where he can use that speed of his late,” Steve Telfer said.
Tim Williams will also take the reins on classy filly Kahlua Flybye, who launches her NSW Oaks assault in the first of two heats at Menangle on Saturday night.
It’s a good field, but she has the big advantage of early speed and gate two, while major rivals Peaceful (five), Tin Tin Jo (six) and Isthisjustfantasy (nine) have drawn outside her.
“She’s a lovely filly and has great gate speed. She’s led in a few of the top races at home (NZ) and run great races,” Telfer said.
“It’s always hard to line-up gate speed, but I think she’s really quick out.
“She’s also improved a hell of a lot off that first-up win of hers at Menangle. She needed that run.”
Telfer thinks the testing 2400m trip is another big plus for Kahlua Fly Bye.
“I’ve got no doubt she’ll love the long trip,” he said.
Alta Meteor is booked on a flight to Sydney on Monday to further bolster Team Telfer’s NSW stocks.
“He’s got the $200,000 race (Harness Millions) at Alexandra Park on Friday and all going well, he’ll fly out on the Monday to run in the NSW Derby heats the following Saturday night,” Telfer said.
